Roman Phifer

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Alan Greenberg, of the Hartford Courant, reports New England Patriots DE Ty Warren says free agent LB Roman Phifer (Giants) whom the Patriots did not attempt to re-sign after the 2004 season, is still in great shape, living in Los Angeles and ready to play if he gets a call from an NFL team. "Every time I talk to him," Warren said, "he's either on his way to work out or just back from working out." Phifer is only 10 months older than LB Junior Seau, whom the Patriots signed Friday, Aug. 18.

New York Giants DL Eric Moore (hamstring) may not be able to practice this week, due to a hamstring injury. Moore plays mostly on special teams and he would be replaced by LB Roman Phifer if he can't play.

Andy Hart, of Patriots Football Weekly, reports free agent LB Roman Phifer, formerly of the New England Patriots, still has a locker with his name on it at Gillette Stadium. At last check the veteran remained a free agent and had not filed his retirement papers with the league. Questioned about the locker over the weekend, head coach Bill Belichick said, "I wasn't even aware of it, honestly. I wasn't even aware of it. I don't know whether it is or it isn't. If you're asking me to confirm it or deny it, I couldn't even do that. I don't know."

Bryan Morry, of Patriots Football Weekly, reports the New England Patriots may be searching for linebacking help with the sudden retirement of LB Ted Johnson, and one of the best free agent options could be LB Roman Phifer. At 37, Phifer's playing time was vastly reduced last year as a member of the Patriots. He also underwent offseason surgery and has not been in Foxborough rehabbing during the offseason. It's been widely reported that Phifer's Gillette Stadium locker has remained intact and now he might be called back to use it.

The Boston Globe reports free agent LB Roman Phifer continues to workout at a gym near Los Angeles. He has yet to file his retirement papers with the league. He may still look to play this season. Phifer, recovering from shoulder surgery, has no idea how things will turn out. As reported previously, his locker is still in place at Gillette Stadium and there is still a chance the New England Patriots would bring him back.

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports the New England Patriots are expected to target inside linebacker as one of their offseason priorities after the release of veteran LB Roman Phifer and the uncertain future of LB Tedy Bruschi (stroke).

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots LB Roman Phifer will have a 2005 cap charge of $2 million. With the Patriots over the 2005 cap by $880,000, Phifer is a possible candidate to have his contract restructured.

New England Patriots LB Roman Phifer (undisclosed) returned for the team's afternoon workout session Monday, Aug. 16, after missing the morning practice for an undisclosed reason, according to Andy Hart of Patriots Football Weekly.

Michael Felger, of the Boston Herald, reports New England Patriots LB Roman Phifer has been moved inside to play next to veteran LB Ted Johnson. Phifer averaged 100 tackles at outside linebacker during the past two seasons.

Michael Felger of the Boston Herald reports LB Tedy Bruschi believes his role will change during the season as the New England Patriots coaching staff decides how to deploy its deep linebacking corps. Free agent signee Rosevelt Colvin joins returning LBs Bruschi, Ted Johnson, Mike Vrabel, Roman Phifer and Willie McGinest, causing some to speculate the team will use a 3-4 scheme more often. "Somebody is going to have to rotate. Somebody is going to have to sit and watch, somebody is going to have to come in off the bench. It may be me. That's the way it's been. If my role is the same in December as it is in September, I'd be surprised.”